The gamification of training is on the rise. There is a continuous need for updated information and training in the workforce, not only for Millennials but for veteran employees.
TIME TO SHIFT
According to the 2016 ATD Report, the cost of training an employee was $1,252. Today, the cost is nearly $1,300 per person. Add in roughly 33 hours of training time.
Now trending is a shift from traditional job training. Today we see both employer-led and employee-led learning. You need to think about how you are spending a company’s money on training. What commonly worked in the past (teaching to the job) is not what is working today.
Leaders are focusing on the value of employees and their total well-being. Because technology is changing so rapidly, you now need to implement a culture of learning for your company. The gamification of training is becoming more prevalent.
WHAT IS GAMIFICATION?
Gamification, according to Merriam-Webster, is “the process of adding games or gamelike elements to something (such as a task) so as to encourage participation.”
Christopher Pappas of eLearning Industry explained: “The word itself was launched in 2002 by Nick Pelling, a British IT expert, but wasn’t widely used until 2010.”
It has grown in popularity over the last few years as a useful training tool. According to Forbes, Seven Learning and Development Trends to Adopt in 2019, there should be an increase in the gamification of training.
The gamification of training engages employees on an emotional level and results in rewarding behaviors that lead to better learning, team involvement, and communication.
TECH TOOLS
Gaming programs are complex – created to be a regular part of an employee’s daily life, not just for their work times but for their personal home life as well. These programs can become a right- hand assistant or coach.
Learning and Development is big business. Companies that offer products to integrate into your training regimens, such as QuizGame and Centrical, are competing for the attention of HR departments.
The use of mobile apps is a must if we are to connect and deliver continuous mentorship. Companies, like TalentCards, are providing training tools, including mobile apps that engage employees in the learning process.
If you want more interaction in an employee meeting, try using gaming technology. You are likely to have more people participate and speak out in a training session.
END GOAL: ENGAGEMENT
It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying up to speed with technology and the ever-changing workforce.
In a world where work is becoming more automated, the challenge we face now is with keeping our organizations people-focused so they will want to be a part of a team and engage in the company’s mission.
A way to accomplish this is to promote a culture of continuous Learning and Development, both professionally and personally. By offering ongoing training, you are feeding employees’ minds and keeping them engaged. Gamification of training enriches the learning experience.
Fewer employees will leave from a lack of interest in the company.
Engaged employees mean higher morale, better communication, and overall healthier company culture.
